Rotation is name of game for Ryan Giggs

RYAN GIGGS has backed Sir Alex Ferguson to continue with more successful rotation at West Ham tomorrow.

The United manager guided his team to three wins out of four in a successful run over Christmas that preserved their seven-point lead at the top of the table.

Only David de Gea, Patrice Evra, Jonny Evans and Michael Carrick played in every one of the four festive matches.

Ferguson wasted no time in withdrawing Carrick after United scored a third goal in the 4-0 win at Wigan on Tuesday.

The United manager has hinted Shinji Kagawa could come in for a second start since returning from knee trouble. And Ferguson has suggested his rotation policy will continue at Upton Park despite their last cup exit against the Hammers.

United’s second string were thumped 4-0 in the League Cup quarter-final two seasons ago. But Giggs, 39, who made two starts and one sub appearance over Christmas, believes Ferguson is the master of keeping his players right during congested periods.

Giggs said: “We’ve got a good squad and the manager has rotated things right. We looked fresh against Wigan and that’s credit to the manager.

“You never know what you’re going to get when you’ve got four games in 10 days when it comes to injuries and fatigue.”

We looked fresh against Wigan and that’s credit to the manager

Ryan Giggs

Giggs has been a key man for United over Christmas, impressing in his substitute role at Swansea, then in the starting line-up against Newcastle and Wigan.

“It’s a case of looking after your fitness and making sure you’re sharp,” said Giggs. “It’s tough when you get yourself ready for a Wednesday game, don’t play and then you have to get yourself ready for a Saturday game.

“But a lot of players are in that position. We have a big squad and you’re not going to play every game.

“Together with Paul Scholes, I probably play fewer matches than a lot of the players but we know we have to be ready when we’re called upon.”